Charities allowed to collect in Blackpool again

Blackpool Council has agreed to restart issuing permits for street collections to be undertaken from April 12 when non-essential shops and outdoor hospitality are due to re-open.

Collections were suspended in November last year because the council did not want to encourage gatherings as Corovavirus restrictions were increased to prevent transmission of infection.

It caused controversy when the move meant the cancellation of events in the run up to Christmas including performances and carol singing by the Salvation Army Band and addiction recovery charity Betel.

But a report to the public protection sub-committee says: “In anticipation of the easing of restrictions with the proposed reopening of non-essential retail, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality no earlier than April 12, a number of charitable organisations will wish to restart collections as quickly as possible.”

The sub-committee also authorised public collections to be allowed during this year’s Illuminations.

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